Tito Jacksonmember of the Jackson 5 and his older brother Michael Jacksondied according to a post by family members on social media. Later joining the group The Jacksons, Tito Jackson also began a solo career among other projects in the entertainment industry.
Here's the announcement of Tito Jackson's death from the 3T Instagram page, a group made up of his three sons:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and devastated. Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as “Coach Tito” or some may know him as “Poppa T”. Still, he will be sorely missed. It will forever be “Tito Time” for us. Remember to do what our father always preached and that is “Love one another”. We love you Pops.
your boys,
Taj, Taryll and TJ
Tito Jackson was born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Ind. According to lore and earlier accounts, Jackson was discovered playing guitar by his father, Joe Jackson, after he broke a string. Jackson's patriarch instructed Tito to play for him and later asked his brothers Jackie and Jermaine to form a singing group. Marlon and Michael would join the group later and they were called The Jackson 5.
Proving prowess as performers through road shows, talent shows such as the Apollo Theater Amateur Night competition the band won, and touring the so-called “Chitlin Circuit”, the Jackson brothers eventually signed a record deal with Steeltown Records in 1967 before signing with Motown in 1969 .
The group had great R&B success and crossed over into the mainstream bolstered by several hits. However, Tito's guitar never appeared on any of their albums under Motown and was instead played by musicians hired by the label. After leaving the label in 1976 for CBS Records, Tito could showcase his work.
The years that followed led to various incarnations of the brothers as a singing group, with the youngest of them, Randy Jackson, later joining under the moniker The Jacksons. The brothers would continue to work and tour with each other despite the line-up shuffle, releasing their final album as a group, 2300 Jackson Street in 1989.
In 2003, Tito Jackson began a solo career rooted in the Blues tradition and scored a Billboard single, “Get It Baby” from his 2016 album. Tito time with Big Daddy Kane. His second album Under your spell released in 2021.
Tito had three sons with ex-wife Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, Taj, Taryll and TJ, who later formed the R&B group 3T.
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Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty
